History
Local religious groups have sponsored chaplains for the LAC+USC Medical Center since it was founded, calling on their communities for aid.
In 1988, Chaplain Santos Ramos asked for “angel churches” to help respond to urgent needs of patients whose hospitalization threatened the well-being of their families.
“Project Angel” was formed, operating under the auspices of the Presbyterian Church (USA). It worked with patients referred by any of the then 15 Healthcare Network chaplains and clinical social workers.
As more people responded to their neighbor’s need, Angel Interfaith Network (AIN) was born, incorporating as a nonprofit organization in 2001.
In 2004, AIN became a member of the Healthcare Network's Community Pastoral Care Advisory Association.
Over the years, AIN has enjoyed a fruitful partnership with Department of Spiritual Care LAC+USC Medical Center: CARES, which operates under the auspices of LAC+USC Medical Center; and St. Camillus Center for Spiritual Care, sharing resources and collaborating on donations of clothing, furniture, and other assistance to patients on an as-needed basis, by referral from the LAC+USC Medical Center staff.
At the end of 2010, there was an opportunity for AIN, St. Camillus Center, and the LAC+USC Department for Spiritual Care to work together and reduce overhead costs. Beginning in 2011, AIN will operate as a separate project under the auspices of St. Camillus Center.
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AIN Leadership Council
President and Chairperson
Rev. Nancy Moore
Retired Clergy, PCUSA
Retired from active pastoral ministry in the Presbyterian Church (USA) two years ago, I have since found a new ministry networking with community and congregations in Northeast Los Angeles. I enjoy preaching and speaking about our community and how it fulfills God’s promises. I teach at Claremont School of Theology in urban field education. Mother of four adults spread across our country, wife of a community activist, I have lived and worked in Highland Park over 20 years.
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Vice President
James E. Piazzola
LAC+USC Medical Center
I'm married and the father of 4 adult children and 3 grandchildren. We've lived in Pomona for some 30 yrs. I belong to St. Denis Catholic Parish in Diamond Bar.
I'm also Director of Clinical Social Work at LAC+USC Medical Center where I have worked for almost 45 yrs. I have a Master's of Social Work Degree from the University of Denver. My staff provide the lion's share of the referrals to AIN and we very much value the support. Nancy Hogan-Bauer recruited me to the Board about 5 yrs. ago because of the logical connection between my work and our connection with Angel Interfaith Network.
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Secretary
Arlene Creitz
Volunteer
Bill and I celebrated our 22nd wedding anniversary on Valentine's Day. We live in Sunland and are active at the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood. We both have wonderful sons, daughter-in-laws, and grandchildren. After teaching for three decades, my first consulting job was with Karen Bading in L.E,A.R.N. schools in Los Angeles. She introduced me to AIN and I am serving for a third term as secretary to the Board. My major fund raising effort is with the Silent Auction and Opportunity Drawing at the fall luncheon.
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Karen Bading
Infrasonics Coaching and Consulting
Professionally, I’m a leadership coach working with teams and individuals to increase productivity and satisfaction in technical and public environments through my company, Infrasonics Coaching and Consulting. I’m married and live in a four generation household with my husband, my father, our daughter and grand-daughter, a dog and two cats. I learned of AIN through Ann Mills almost two decades ago and have been a supporter ever since. I joined the board in 2004 and served as president from 2006-2009.
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Rev. Frank R. Marshall
Retired Clergy, PCUSA
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Liaison between AIN and St. Camillus Center
Fr. Chris Ponnet
LAC + USC Department of Pastoral Care
I’ve been Pastor St. Camillus Center for Pastoral Care and Director of LAC+USC Medical Center Department of Spiritual Care since 1995. I was born and raised in Temple City, CA and was ordained a Catholic priest in 1983 from St. John Seminary in Camarillo with M.Div. and M. Theology along with board certification through the Association of Professional Chaplains. As chaplain at LAC+USC I have worked with AIN and celebrated its commitment to our patients’ post hospital patient care and to our student chaplains in CPE who have interned at AIN. |
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Staff
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AIN works cooperatively with the following Community Partners ...
Baby2Baby
Brownson House of Catholic Charities
CARES, LAC + USC Medical Center Auxiliary
Clinica Oscar Romero
Convalescent Aid Society
Corazon de la Familia
Elizabeth House
El Nido
Families in Transition Program, Pasadena Unified School District
Holy Family Church, South Pasadena, Referral Ministries
La Casa de San Gabriel Community Center
LA Diaper Drive
Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority
Pasadena Alumni Support Center
Proyecto Pastoral Guadalupe Homeless Project
Proyecto Pastoral Thrift Store and After School Program
St. Camillus Center for Spiritual Care
Tierra del Sol Foundation
Walden House
Wise Senior Center
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